How Old Do You Have to Be for Ketamine Therapy?

Depression is growing each year and when many people want to know the cause, it’s better to find solutions to end this. According to the World Health Organization, 1.1% of adolescents aged 10–14 years, and 2.8% of 15–19-year-olds experience depression. Not only the young ones are affected by this but 5.7% of adults older than 60 years have also been reported to be struggling with this emotional disorder.

Not everyone gets relief from anti-depressants, counseling, psychotherapy, or other medications used to reduce depressive symptoms. Thus, ketamine therapy is considered an effective way to help these individuals come back to normal lives, especially adolescents who have multiple paths to walk on later in life.

So, how old do you have to be for ketamine therapy? Even though statistics show that depression can begin from the age of 10 and over the age of 60, is it medically safe or effective for such patients to go through this therapy? 

Understanding Ketamine Infusion Therapy

Before diving into the facts and data of the age of a ketamine therapy candidate, we must be aware of how ketamine infusion therapy works. Usually, people get skeptical about its effectiveness and wonder how old do you have to be for ketamine therapy?

Ketamine was not always a mental health disorder savior, rather its numbing effect has been utilized as an anesthetic since the 1970s. Quite recently, in 2019 this drug was approved by the FDA for treatment-resistant depression and since then highly certified clinics like NEUROGLOW have been using it to eradicate mental health issues like anxiety, bipolar, OCD, PPD, and others.

When ketamine enters your body, it immediately blocks the NMDA receptors responsible for mood regulation, forming memories, and cognition. Once these connections are blocked, a person might feel a state of ‘euphoria’ or a sense of ‘floating’. 

This disassociation from reality is actually what helps the patients experience a brain without negative thoughts/constant pain. New connection pathways are formed, and the brain can allow for better functioning where positive thoughts can prevail and many patients admit to soothing aftereffects.

How old do you have to be for ketamine therapy? What is the minimum age for treatment?

Considering the age bracket for adolescents which is 10-14 years old, it is permissible for a child aged 13 years or older to receive ketamine infusion therapy. With over 65% of teens struggling with mental health issues and almost 30% of them having suicidal ideation or thoughts of self-harm at least at one point in their lives, these teens are at more risk as much as an adult would be.

Why would my teen need ketamine therapy?

Sadly, most people wonder ‘how old do you have to be for ketamine therapy?’ because suicide has become the second most cause of death amongst children from 12-17 year olds. Not only the environment but genetics also play a huge role in developing a higher risk of depressive emotions amongst adolescents. 

A 2019 Pew report said 70 percent of teenagers report anxiety and depression as a “major problem” for them and their peers

Other factors like physical/sexual abuse, trauma, loss of a loved one, breakup/problems with relationships, being bullied, drug/alcohol abuse and being neglected by family members can all become a part of a child’s functioning to a healthy emotional well-being. An Iowa mother, Beth Burgmeyer reported that her teenage daughter had reached such a worst point in her life that,

“she would beg us to let her die.” After a failed suicide attempt and being wheelchair ridden she started receiving ketamine treatment and her mother was surprised because according to her, “that it’s saving her life.”

How can ketamine rapidly relieve depression symptoms in teens?

A study performed in 2019 by Florida State University of Neuroscience states,

“Repeated ketamine exposure induces enduring resilient-like responses regardless of age of exposure. These findings point to ketamine, and its repeated exposure, as a potentially useful antidepressant during adolescence.”

According to various researches and studies, repeated infusions of ketamine therapy can make a huge difference in alleviating mood , reducing suicidal ideation , improving cognition and decreasing depressive thoughts.

During one Yale trial, “Adolescents who were previously ready to end their own lives” prior to being treated with ketamine “became bright and hopeful” after using it. They also showed significant improvement in just 24 hours of their first session.

With depressive symptoms like being isolated, persistent crying, self-doubt/self-criticism , angry mood, frustrations , hopelessness, being un-focused amongst 14-18 year olds , one must not be thinking ‘how old do you have to be for ketamine therapy’ but immediately book an appointment with NEUROGLOW to eradicate them.

Even though a typical 6 infusion series program over a few weeks produces long lasting positive symptoms, it is still important to get a specific program tailored according to the teenager’s needs.

What is the maximum age for treatment?

There is no maximum age limit for ketamine therapy, however it is advised for patients 60 and above to seek medical advice before registering for ketamine therapy session.  With the increase in Suicide rates between ages of 60-90 in both men and women around the world, an older adult would definitely wonder, ‘how old do you have to be for ketamine therapy?’ so they can benefit from it.

Veterans suffering from the negative impacts of war, loss of a loved one after years of companionship, loneliness , retirement or loss of identity, financial difficulties or family problems canal aid to depression in elderly people.

Is ketamine safe, and effective for geriatric treatment-resistant depression?

Steven Levine, MD, of Ketamine Treatment Centers, told Healio/Psychiatry. “Because ketamine is very safe, even in more fragile medical conditions, and is given intermittently (with no constant level of medicine in the system), it is a particularly safe option for the elderly.”

Even though ketamine has been deemed as ‘well ‘tolerated’ by researchers, it is still difficult for elderly patients to achieve a high amount of success due to clash of other medications and aging brain. The efficacy rate is less than that of a younger individual.

It is important to note that ketamine treatments are performed under the supervision of medical professionals and board certified psychiatrists, thus only minimal doses are administered for a safe and effective response. However, the dose used to treat elder patients is higher due to side effects and influences of other medications. 

Does age make a difference in the success of treatment?

It all depends on the health of the individual trying to get infusion therapy. Even though you would be asking yourself this question, ‘how old do you need to be for ketamine therapy?’ but you also need to know whether your age will affect the effectiveness of the ketamine infusion therapy or not. 

Studies have shown that repeated infusion amongst adolescents have been successful in alleviating painful symptoms and improving mood within 24 hours of the first infusion. However, for the elderly it is difficult to be such effective in a short period of time due to complex medical histories and taking medicines that might interact with ketamine. 

Studies based on intravenous ketamine for adolescents and older adults for treatment-resistant depression.

According to a study published online by Cambridge University Press on 30 June 2020, patients who were 60 years or older showed benefit of ketamine in reducing depressive symptoms. Ketamine was well tolerated in both studies with adverse effects being mild and transient.

Another study in which participants aged 24 to 77 years old aimed to identify whether a patient’s age affects their responsiveness to ketamine infusion treatments or not. 49 veterans with treatment-resistant-depression responded to the treatment the same way but the younger ones seemed to report a better state of mind after the 4th session out of the total 6.

This study showed that if you are wondering ‘ how old do you have to be for ketamine therapy?’ to be sure your age won’t be a cause for concern for effectiveness then you would be glad to know that it does not play a huge role in hindering a successful treatment process. 

A clinical trial where adolescents aging from 12-18 years of age were administered 6 ketamine infusion over the course of two weeks showed that out of 13 participants, Five (38%) adolescents met criteria for clinical response.

Three responders showed sustained remission at 6-week follow-up; relapse occurred within 2 weeks for the other two responders. This study determined that ketamine is well-tolerated amongst this peer group as well.

Get help for your mental health, no matter what your age

Hopefully the question,’ how old do you need to be for ketamine therapy?’ is not lingering in your mind anymore. With clinics like NEUROGLOW ready to assist you and advise you based on your medical history, age, previous medication and mental health assessment; you are in safe hands. 

Traumatic events, abuse, sorrows and broken relationships can happen to anyone at any point in their life. It is important to seek help to come back towards your previous life and that is why NEUROGLOW aims to specialize in innovative therapies and helping individuals overcome mental health challenges, restore inner harmony and embrace life with renewed enthusiasm.

FAQs

Is ketamine therapy expensive?

Depending on the mode of administration the cheapest option is Oral ketamine ranging from 89 USD to 150 USD per session to the most expensive yet safest option, IV infusion. These can cost anywhere from 375 USD to even 1000 USD per session.

What disqualifies you from ketamine therapy?

A number of reasons like having heart/liver problems, being pregnant, breastfeeding, history of psychosis, substance abuse, or increased intracranial pressure and others disqualify you from ketamine therapy.

What is ketamine therapy like?

It feels like a floating sensation or dissociation from the world due to its psychedelic nature and anesthetic effect.

Does ketamine therapy work?

Yes! More than 70 percent of the people who received ketamine therapy have reported decreased depressive symptoms right after the first infusion.

Is ketamine therapy safe?

Ketamine therapy is safe if administered under the vigilance of a healthcare professional or a controlled setting because it eliminates the risk of overdose and abuse.

How long does ketamine therapy last?

This depends on the individual’s response. Some people report to having a relapse of negative emptions after 1 and a half month of the last dose and may need a booster infusion. However, some people can even feel positive for up to 3-6 months of their last infusion.

How to afford ketamine therapy?

Check with you insurance provider if they cover the cost of ketamine infusions , however if they don’t , you can always apply for the Advance Care card that finance such therapies.